A BID for 'game-changing' funding for the Wharfedale Greenway project has been prepared.

The scheme aims to link Pool-in-Wharfedale, Menston, Otley and Burley-in-Wharfedale using an off-road path network that would include former railway tracks.

It is being pursued by the town and parish councils of the four communities through a steering group chaired by Otley Town Council Chair Ray Georgeson.

The group has put together a £2 million bid for funding from the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) for phase one - Burley to Otley - of the Greenway, which is due to be formally submitted by Leeds City Council.

Councillor Ray Georgeson (Lib Dem, Danefield) said: "Progress on this large scale capital project, which will transform safe commuter and leisure cycling in Wharfedale, was always going to be challenging but we are making some real headway.

"The support of the parishes of Burley, Pool and Menston has been critical to this and we are privileged to be working with them.

"The bid to RDPE for phase 1 is in full preparation and we are hopeful, it certainly would be a game-changer in terms of progress.

"Colleagues from the town and parish councils, including potential future partners Ilkley and Addingham, Leeds and Bradford councils and Sustrans are all working diligently to progress this major project and have maintained a great spirit of co-operation.

"It'll be a big prize if we are successful."